793.94/1915: Telegram
The Minister in China (Johnson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—3:30 a.m.]
677. Your 349, September 28, 11 a.m., received September 29, 9 a.m.81
1. Best available estimate Japanese troops in Manchuria as follows: Regular troops, Second Division: 1 brigade at Changchun, 1 brigade at Kirin, 1 battalion at Tunhua, 1 battalion at Chengchiatun, 1 company at Yinglingkan. Total of Second Division: 7,000 men (Japanese figures); 2 air squadrons, strength unknown. Independent Korean brigade of 3,000 stationed at and near Mukden. Railway guards of 5,000 men (6 battalions). Japanese claim above units on peace footing and figures as above, but Legation’s advice is that 8,432 men and officers form peace strength division.
It is generally believed that the headquarters of the heavy artillery brigade at Port Arthur and 8 guns entrained for Mukden. Total number of guns not known. Heavy artillery personnel figures not included in above estimate.
2. With reference to Reservists please see Military Attaché’s report dated June 22, 1931, number 8048, which is believed to be substantially correct. Military Attaché’s estimate is that Japanese Reservists in Manchuria number approximately 30,000. It is now impossible to estimate number of Reservists being used. They were used in the beginning and it is believed that they are still being used although as [sic] they are now [not?] in regular uniform.
- Not printed.↩